Director Robert S. Fiveson's filmography is marked by a singular feature film, 1979's "Parts: The Clonus Horror", which, despite its limited scope, has managed to leave a lasting impact on the world of science fiction and horror cinema. Born in Winnipeg on June 15, 1947, Fiveson's early life was a dynamic blend of juvenile delinquency and theatrical pursuits, with his family relocating to Brooklyn from Toronto when he was just 10 years old. This dichotomy would continue to shape his formative years, as he would oscillate between lead roles in school plays and acts of mischief, all while developing a passion for reading tales of the bizarre and macabre.
Fiveson's fascination with the world of cinema was sparked during his time at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where he had the privilege of studying under a professor who would later prove to be a valuable mentor. His student films, including the award-winning "Skin Flick", showcased his unique perspective and attention to detail, with the latter being a slow-burning examination of a bearded man's face that belied its suggestive title.
Upon enrolling at the University of Southern California (USC),Fiveson went on to produce his thesis film, "Good Times", a gritty tale of gangs in New York City that drew heavily from his own experiences. The film's success caught the attention of Universal Studios, which picked it up for use in their educational division, and Fiveson was subsequently employed as a staff writer and producer.
During this period, Fiveson became enamored with the concept of cloning, and his subsequent collaboration with Myrl A. Schreibman, a cost controller at Universal, would ultimately lead to the production of "Parts: The Clonus Horror". With a budget of approximately $257,000 and a cast featuring Peter Graves, Dick Sargent, and Keenan Wynn, the film was shot in just 18 days and went on to win the award for best low-budget independent film at the Academy of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror in 1979.
Despite its critical acclaim, "Parts: The Clonus Horror" failed to achieve commercial success, and Fiveson's subsequent career was marked by a series of scripts that struggled to generate interest. The writers' strike of 1988 prompted a shift in his career trajectory, as he went on to work for the Air Force and Department of Defense as the head of production, before transitioning to documentary filmmaking for television channels such as A & E and The Discovery Channel.
Throughout his career, Fiveson has been driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to exploring complex themes and ideas. While "Parts: The Clonus Horror" may be his sole feature credit to date, it remains a testament to his innovative spirit and his ability to craft a compelling narrative that continues to entertain and disturb audiences to this day.
